National Library of Thailand

The National Library (Thai: หอสมุดแห่งชาติ) is a public reference library in Bangkok, Thailand. It has a large collection, some of which dates back more than one hundred years, making it one of the oldest in Thailand. The library has an interesting and sometimes eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional features, with modern computer terminals sitting alongside card index systems.

The main building

The main building of the National Library has five floors open to the public. Most books and periodicals are in Thai, but there are publications in other languages including English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. OPAC (online public access catalog) terminals in the library allow users to search in Thai and English. Publications in English are distributed throughout the library and not confined to a single section.

First floor

Services available on the first floor of the National Library of Thailand include

• Bag deposit service
• Main reception and information desk
• Data Search Room - library catalog, Internet and CDROM terminals (Room 104)
• Exhibition room
• Periodicals and newspapers (Room 103)
• Photocopying service
• Meeting room (Room 121)
• Fresh flower room (Room 131)

The newspaper reading room located next to the main entrance is especially popular with Thai visitors.

The Data Search Room is has many desktop computers and free Internet access for all visitors, limited to one hour per day. Visitors must complete a form and deposit their ID (foreign visitors must deposit their passport) with the library staff. Games, online chat, and external storage devices (e.g. USB drives) are not allowed.

Second floor

Services available on the second floor of the National Library of Thailand include

• Social science and linguistics (Room 204)
• Science and applied science (Room 205)
• Philosophy, religion and general collection (Room 213)
• Study books, funeral memorial, Japanese and Korean books (Room 214)

The central part of the second floor contains a very modern-looking and attractive library.

A general collection and books on philosophy and religion are housed in a less modern but nonetheless popular wing on the second floor. Silence is observed in all areas of the library, and air-conditioning keeps the rooms at a comfortable temperature.

Third floor

Services available on the third floor of the National Library of Thailand include

• Arts, literature, geography and history (Room 302)
• Books about Thailand and China (Room 303)
• Difficult to find books (Room 313)
• Microfilm and microfiche (Room 308)
• Tapes, maps and photos (Room 314)

Fourth floor

Services available on the fourth floor of the National Library of Thailand include

• Writing and inscriptions (Room 402)
• Periodicals and magazines
• Documents, periodicals and newspapers in Chinese (Room 403)

Fifth floor

Services available on the fifth floor of the National Library of Thailand include

• Thesis collection
• Ancient Thailand research

The fifth floor is dedicated to academic research and the storage of bachelors, masters and doctoral degree theses from across Thailand (approximately 80% coverage) since 2003. Theses from earlier years have been moved to other locations. Desk space and electrical power outlets are available for users with notebook computers.

Contact details

Opening hours and contact details for the National Library of Thailand.

Library catalog

The National Library catalog can be searched here.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the Director of the National Library (ผู้อำนวยการสำันักหอสมุดแห่งชาติ), Khun Wilawan (คุณวิลาวัณย์) for kindly granting special permission to photograph inside the library on March 18, 2009. We'd also like to thank the library staff for their invaluable help introducing the library services and explaining how to use the library catalog.